I would think that a letter (a very good letter) by an occupational therapist would get by the Medicare guidelines. I will be finding that out when I go to look for a new chair myself.
I very highly doubt that the size of minivans have changed. Yes, it is very annoying to have to duck my head but I have gotten used to it now. All the items you talked about should fit in the back of the minivan. Since I do not drive and I pull in and pull into the passenger side... we took out the middle seat. I am very glad that I have my Permobil that turns on a dime because otherwise that would be a pain. Although I do not remember it being a problem with my old chair *that did not have* rear wheel drive like the Permobil and several other new chairs out there. It is only a tight fit for me to turn after I get up the ramp because my EZ Lock is right there to my right and I have to maneuver myself *just right so that my front right tire does not keep running into it or scraping it. I have scraped against it many times but the tires have still held up well. Well, the right tire anyway!* I am sure that minivans are much better with mileage for obvious reasons but that is why you have to consider all the pros and cons. For example... my husband has been saying that our next van would probably be a full-sized one again. But having lived in freezing cold areas and very hot areas... I love the ability to zoom up the ramp rather than having to wait on all the hydraulics that come along with all the other lifts (with full-sized vans) to open them, close them, lower them, etc.. The minivan ramp just drops down really quickly. Only time will tell if and when I get a new chair or a new van myself! Lori Michaelson C4/5 complete quad, 28 years post Tucson, AZ On Dec 31, 2007 3:57 PM, <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Thank you for the information. I have the elevate but I have been told > that with the new Medicare guidelines you can no longer get the elevate.. I > wonder if all minivans are the same height. That would be a pain to > have to duck your head. Do you have any problems with space trying to > carry the things that you need as you go anywhere. I have so many things in > my van that I'd tape just in case, like blankets, my suction machine, extra > ramps, a jumpy 2000, that will start your van without another vehicle and > probably a lot of other things. > > I really like the elevate because it helps me reach things even though I > cannot do much, wide turn the thermostat up, see if I am at a concert and > people are standing up, push on my remote easier with my stick on my splint. > > It seems like the mileage would be better. Is gas cheaper for your > minivan compared to your Ford Econoline? > Thank you so much for your input you are always so clear and informative. > Dana > >
